El Naturalista's barefoot collection captures the essence of the sun-drenched Spanish countryside, with that wonderful feeling of stumbling across the perfect pair of handcrafted leather shoes in a tiny boutique tucked away in a shady village square.
Born in La Rioja
La Rioja in Spain has a shoemaking tradition that stretches back centuries, and El Naturalista grew from that fertile earth. Everything they produce comes from their own factories in Spain and Tangier, and they maintain strong intercultural links, which means they see exactly what is happening at every stage.
The leather comes from recognised European producers and tanneries, and, as a company committed to innovation and research, its vegan line continues to be developed and expanded upon.
The outsoles are recycled rubber. The factories use solar panels, LED lighting and even recovered ocean fishing nets in their processes.
Through their Atauchi Project, El Naturalista have been collaborating with development aid organisations since 2003, promoting educational projects and supporting charities around the world, including Haiti, Tanzania, and Peru.
The El Naturalista Range
The range covers adult footwear across all seasons alongside a dedicated barefoot collection. The designs draw from the natural world throughout, and the colours tend toward earthy, rich tones that soften to lighter and fresher looks for spring and summer.
Each shoe in their barefoot collection features a roomy toe box, flexible natural rubber soles, ecological leather tanned with natural extracts, zero-drop construction and a lightweight build. The shoes move with the foot rather than around it, which creates a sense of feeling good from the moment you put them on.
El Naturalista at Happy Little Soles
The El Naturalista Size and Fit
The barefoot range suits average to wider feet well. True to size and clearly foot-shaped with a good width through the forefoot and a more standard fit through the heel. Because they are made from soft leather, there will be some give over time.
The Oroel trainer is particularly good for those transitioning into barefoot footwear, offering a little more cushioning while still encouraging natural movement. Sizing generally runs true to European standards, though individual styles can vary, so the size guide for each specific model is worth checking before you order.
More Help
We’ve created a space filled with advice to help you get the very best from your barefoot shoe shopping. From detailed sizing guides, resources and blogs, to tips on making the most of our delivery options, you’ll find it all in The Advice Hub.
If you’d like a little more tailored support, do get in touch. Our Customer Service team love talking all things barefoot and are always happy to help.
We hope you love your purchase, but if something isn’t quite right, we offer free returns. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
